In 2016 Fiji was hit by Category 5 tropical storm Winston, the strongest cyclone to ever hit the southern Hemisphere. Throughout Fiji, a total of 40,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. The Western Division accounted for the majority of damage, with 6,954 homes destroyed and 11,234 damaged. This left approximately 131,000 people in need of immediate shelter assistance. In addition, 229 schools were severely damaged or destroyed. Total damage from the storm amounted to FJD$2.98 billion (US$1.4 billion).

The Village Hall was destroyed when Cyclone Winston hit the islands of Fiji. Currently, the villagers are using their church as their community hall, but want a more specialised community hall involving a musical arts theme. I will be working with CAUKIN Studio and a team of around 15 volunteers to construct a new hall over a period of 8 weeks, which will enable the villagers to congregate at the heart of the community once more.

We will be staying with host families within the project village. By doing so we will immerse ourselves within the Fijian experience and lifestyle.